Romantasy is everywhere these days. BookTok has been taken over by discussions of books like Sarah J. Maas A Court of Thorns and Roses series and Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, and the internet goes wild every time a new season of House of the Dragon premieres.Dog collars, shibari ropes, or strap-ons may be the kinky tools in your toolbox, but some people want to take a trip through time and into the world of knights, princesses, and dragons to get off. This mix of sex with fairytales and Renaissance-era aesthetics is called castlecore sex, and while those of us who are still fantasizing about Daenerys Targaryen and her huge dragons or John Snow and his giantsword, may want to give it a try, there are some things to keep in mind before you delve into this world of fantasy sex and monster poles. To understand why people are into this particular kink, why LGBTQ+ folks may be more likely to try it out, and what safety measures you should be keeping in mind, we talked tqo licensed sex therapist and psychology professor Jillian Amodio and Dr. Michael Grey, a licensed marriage and family therapist, board certified sexologist, the CEO of Grey Insight, and a graduate professor.What is castlecore sex? Where did the trend originate?Spicy fantasy series have taken over the bestseller list and the discourse on Booktok, so it makes sense that castlecore sex would be having a moment. Think corsets, dripping candles, medieval-inspired fits, and dragon tongues as sex toys and youve got a pretty good idea of what castfecore sex is all about. Castlecore is embodied by aesthetics like moody castles, gothic romance, dramatic clothing, candlelight, and medieval or Renaissance-inspired vibes, Amodio tells PRIDE. It originates from the broader castlecore aesthetic, which gained traction on social platforms like TikTok.And castlecore sex isnt just for the romantasy girlies, according to Dr. Grey, its for everyone with the hots for taboo power dynamics and loves a fairytale, I mean, who hasnt dreamed about taking back shots by John Snow. Just me?Castlecore is sex related to medieval, fantasy, like Game of Thrones, candlelit chambers, corsets, rugged men, maybe some incest role plays, like the Lannisters, perhaps a dragon or two if youre extra kinky, he says. At the core of it all, its about tapping into forbidden power dynamics, mixed with fairy tale vibes, a form of escapism. Its been a thing, but it has gained popularity with the increase of smut and the destigmatizing of sex in books. Like TikTok, and books like A Court of Thorns and Roses.How does it connect to romantasy books?These novels tend to draw from fantasy and hot, steamy, passionate sex, often spotlighting feminine desire and power dynamics, Dr. Grey explains. This causes people to recreate scenes from books and engage in role-playing.Peoples interest in this particular kink is an intersection between sexuality and nerdom that seems to be bringing fantasy lovers and smut readers together in the bedroom. I mean, who wouldnt want to get railed in Rivendell? Thats a Lord of the Rings reference, Dr. Grey jokes.Castlecore sex is a natural extension of this genre, Amodio agrees. People take the imagery, tone, and sensual tension of romantic worlds and translate them into their own intimate lives, bridging the gap between fantasy and reality and bringing their fantasies to life in the bedroom.What does it entail?Amodio says its less about specific sex acts and more about setting, mood, and play, and since the sex is taking inspiration from fantasy stories, the skys the limit, but it usually involves role play, medieval costumes, and maybe even some kinky fantasy monster-inspired sex toys.Set it up with candlelight, forbidden lovers, a damsel in distress, a knight in shining armor, or some warrior, maybe even a king or queen, and a peasant, Dr. Grey says. It can also include costume or leather pieces, gowns, corsets, wigs, or a potato sack if youre a peasant. Could be a crown, to name a few things, and then obviously sex toys, cant be a kinky scene without some type of medieval torture devices Dragon-inspired dildos seem to be a rage, or other unusual shapes, could also include some chains, collars, leather, and even candle wax.How is this trend impacting LGBTQ+ folks?Many romantasy novels are filled with heteronormative relationships and binary gender roles, but it doesn't have to be that way, and spicy monster romance and MM romance novels are currently rising in popularity. The tropes of this fantasy subgenre aren't just for straight people, and queer people may be particularly drawn to castlecore sex.Castlecore is fantasy, and while there may be traditional roles like a damsel in distress or a knight in shining armor, nobody ever said the damsel couldnt be a man, and the knight couldnt be a woman, Dr. Grey says. Queer and trans folx may find this escapism empowering and affirming. There are no gender norms or binaries in kink, so make it your own and embrace the fantasy.Are there any risks?As with any new kink youre trying out, educate yourself before diving straight in. Creating a safe word, along with communication, consent, and safety planning, are keys to keeping things from turning dangerous while youre having a transformative sexual experience," Amodio cautions. Castlecore sex can include fantasy costumes like corsets which can be risky when worn too tightly because then can restrict breathing or circulation, Amodio says. Armor and chains can also restrict breathing, so easy-escape clothing and a clear safe word are your best bets for pulling your sexual fantasy off safely. Youll also want to be careful that you know what youre doing if youre dripping candle wax on someone and may be tempted to get creative, but remember to only put toys in your butt if they have a flared base. If you get creative and pick a unique object for anal play, it can get sucked into your body and if you cant get it back out, youll wind up with an incredibly awkward trip to the hospital.Nothing ruins the mood like a trip to the ER, and there isnt really a way to explain a dragons tongue dildo to the hospital, Dr. Grey warns. If youre using candles or candle wax, make sure you know what youre doing and not accidentally setting someone on fire, or your home, or giving someone third-degree burns. And as always, wash your toys and store them properly.And like any time youre having sex, enthusiastic consent is a must. Consent is crucial; ensure it is enthusiastic and check in throughout the scene or play, he says. Have fun, enjoy it, and as always, you can shout Dracarys when you reach the big finish.Sources cited:Jillian Amodio, a licensed sex therapist and psychology professor.Dr. Michael Grey, a licensed marriage and family therapist, board-certified sexologist, the CEO of Grey Insight, and a graduate professor.